The Best Self-Tanners for Your Sex Life

You're paler than Evan Rachel Wood and your man's on his way over. Don't sweat it: We've got you covered.

Most Read

\n

Of course you know the sun's nasty rays can wreak havoc on your skin...but sometimes a girl's got a hot date — and no time (or no cash) to sprint to the nearest spray-tanning booth. Here's how to snag a to-die-for sunless summer glow that meets your, um, needs, no matter what romantic scenario you're planning.

He'll Be Over in 10

Best bet: Bronzing powder

Here's why: A few swipes with a fluffy brush and you're sporting a Gisele-like glow — no muss, no fuss. New York City makeup artist Melissa Silver recommends mixing the pigment with translucent powder to keep things subtle and applying golden shades to your makeup for an overall summery look. Just be sure to give your skin a swipe with a damp cloth if you plan to end up at his place so his sheets don't get an insta-tan, too.

Your First Date's Tomorrow Night

Best bet: At-home tanning lotion

Here's why: DIY lotion allows for a speedy tan, but, no matter how anal you are about the application, an extra dab may be necessary to fill in any patchy spots. Exfoliation is key before getting started, Silver says, and you'll need time for a shower to rinse off telltale tanner stink so he'll spend time obsessing over your bronzed bod — not your odd scent.

Here's why: Even tanning novices can't screw up this foolproof lotion that slowly builds fresh-off-the-beach color in a few days. "Gradual lotions are the most natural-looking and controllable," says Silver. Give yourself a few days to create and tweak the perfect color so that by Saturday, he'll think you spent the week hiking outdoors — instead of obsessing over the perfect stilettos to match that LBD.

Your Man's Out of Town

Best bet: Professional spray tan

Here's why: Spray tanning pros can evenly bronze places you might miss, but slobber from that deep kiss — not to mention rubbing up against him in the heat of the moment — can leave your skin all splotchy, says tanning expert Lorit Simon, co-founder of Sevin Nyne tanning mist. It's best to leave an eight-hour window to dry so you can welcome him home with a streak-free sun-kissed look.

Your Serious BF's Home (and You Already Got Busy)

Best bet: Self-tanning spray

Here's why: The super-fine mist in many self-tanning sprays manages to cover everything, but it's tough to get those hard-to-reach places, Simon notes. Recruit your guy after a nooky session — when you know he's done for the night — for a quick squirt across your back. Just like the pro spray tans, the at-home version requires a helper and time to fully dry...if you can fend him off from Round Three.